Low sound, thermal &amp; air penetration sliding window

ABSTRACT

A sliding window is disclosed for use in homes, apartments or businesses. A frame is provided having a sill, header, jambs and a mullion all of which can be produced from extruded aluminum sections assembled into a rigid frame. Two framed window panels are contained in the rigid frame, one panel has a fixed location the other panel slides relative to the rigid frame. Each panel is carried in a separate groove having a vinyl liner. The grooves are separated by a spacer. The sliding panel rides on rollers in its respective groove and is opened, closed and locked by a handle. The fixed panel also rides on rollers and is fixed in its location by the removable mullion which securely locks the frame header and sill together. The mullion has tabs extends through one of two sets of slots in the header and sill where it is secured by a screw. The fixed panel may be located on the left or right hand side of the frame as desired. One set of slots is used by the mullion to lock the fixed panel in the desired location. Other novel features decrease the air infiltration, sound transmission, ease servicing of the roller assembly, and reinforce window security.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 904,174, filed09/05/86, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,446.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years increased attention has been directed toward bothdecreased noise pollution and energy conservation in buildings andhomes. Numerous studies have shown that principal offenders in unwantedsound transmission and energy loss in buildings and homes are the windowareas.

Improved insulation in walls and ceilings has made measurableimprovements in the sound and energy integrity of existing and newconstruction leaving the window areas as the places requiring majorredesign in order to meet acceptable standards. A first major step wastaken when single glazing is replaced by dual glazing with an air spacebetween the two window lites. The air space and the second lite willtypically reduce the sound transmssion through a typical residentialwindow and the thermal energy by significant amounts resulting inwidespread adoption of dual glazing.

It has more recently been recognized that a major source of loss ofenergy trough a typical horizontal sliding window even using dualglazing is via air infiltration through the window around the movablesash. The common approach to the minimization of air infiltration hasbeen to install pile fabric type seals similar to the type long used forauto window sealing. In autos such seals have met existing needs andsuch seals have been considered acceptable in building windowinstallations.

For many years, a window which under test conditions passed less than0.75 cubic foot of air per minute with a standard pressure differentialwas considered satisfactory. More recently, standards of 0.50 and 0.37cubic foot per minute of air infiltration have been established by suchorganizations as the Aluminum Architectural Manufacturer's Association.

Also, the sound transmission class (STC rating) of a window isimportant, particularly in noisy locations. Heretofore a rating of 30could only be achieved using dual glazing. However, I have determinedthat it is possible to match that standard using only single glazing, orexceed that standard with dual glazing, provided the improved panelmounting and sealing features which I have developed are used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I have carefully analyzed the best of the available sliding windows andin the process have discovered that existing steps toward reducing soundand air infiltration and consequent energy loss have been misdirected.The addition of heavier pile insulation seals only serves to produce alarger gap between the movable sash and the frame. Likewise the practiceof forming linear grooves in the faces of window frames and insertingstrip pile insulation segments leaves a gap at each corner whichproduces undesirable air infiltration.

I have further discovered that a major cause of air infiltration andpossibly sound transmission is bowing of the windows under heavy wind orpressure differential conditions which allows the air to pass betweenthe fixed and movable sections of the window, particularly between theguides which are commonly found in modern windows.

On further investigation, I have discovered that a simple change in thecorner design results in a significent reduction in air infiltration andsound transmission.

One of the major reasons for the existing relatively loose fit ofmovable sash in sliding windows is so that older ladies or children canstill slide the window with ease. This requirement has made the sealingmore difficult and has caused compromise in the design. I have achievedsuch improved sealing while maintaining ease of operation.

I have further designed a roller assembly which may be installedlubricated, removed and serviced easily without removal of the sash fromthe frame, and which further allows closer fitting of the movable sashand thus better sealing of the movable sash. Incidently in this design Ihave also provided a stretch formed recess in the jambs allowing thecloser fitting of the movable sash and more compact design. I have alsoincorporated an improved anti-liftout feature into my window which addsto the security of this window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a horizontally sliding windowincorporating this invention as seen from the inside;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view of the upper left hand cornerof the window of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the lower right corner of the ofFIG. 1;

FIG. is a fragmentary perspective view of the center mullion slidingsash and locking handle detail of the window of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of a window lite line5--5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of the left jamb of the windowof FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the center portion ofthe window of FIG. 1 taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the sill portion ofthe window of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a horizontal sectional view of the sill portion of the windowof FIG. 1 taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of the center interlock sectiontaken along lines 10--10 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the right end sectionof the sill portion of the window of FIG. 1 with portions broken away toshow the roller assembly;

FIG. 12 enlarged side view of the roller assembly of this invention;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the header portion of the slidingwindow of FIG. 1 showing the sliding anti-lift stop of this invention;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary vertical section of the header portion of thisinvention showing the anti-lift stop of FIG. 14.;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary perspective view of the mullion-sill memberassembly;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective of a fixed panel cornerillustrating the continuous sealing feature;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of a corner of a sliding panelas seen from the outside; and

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view of a typical prior art cornerjoint of a sliding panel viewed from the exterior.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is best illustrated as applied to a sliding windows foruse in homes, apartments or businesses and designed to be installed in arough framed opening in a wall. Such a window assembly 10 is illustratedin FIG. 1 as viewed from the inside. The window includes a sill member11, a header member 12, a left jamb 13 and a right jamb 14. A mullion 15completes the frame elements. These are typically produced from extrudedaluminum sections, mitered, notched and assembled by screws into a rigidframe. Contained within the frame is a fixed panel having its own framewhich is more clearly visible in FIG. 5, and a similar movable frame 20.As indicated above and visible in FIGS. 2-5, both the fixed panel 16 andthe movable panel 20 are double glazed. That is, as illustratedpartially in FIG. 5, they have a frame channel 21 with a vinyl linerstrip 22 groove and two window lites, 16 A-B or 20 A-B, and a spacer 23separating each lite from the other by approximately 1/4 of an inch.This spacing is dead air space and forms the major thermal insulation ofthe window 10.

The movable panel 20 is opened, closed and locked by the verticallysliding locking handle 24, better seen in FIGS. 4 and 10.

The features of this invention which reduce the quantity of leakage airflow through the window of FIG. 1 are not even apparent in FIG. 1 andtherefore do not detract from the attractive appearance of the window.

Now referring to FIGS. 2, in conjunction with FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, atypical corner joint may be seen including the left jamb 13 and theheader 12 including a butt joint 23 and the outer flanges 13A and 12Arespectively which provide an attractive appearance of depth for thewindow. A pair of middle flanges, 12B and 13B behind outer flanges 12Aor 13A, which do not appear in FIG. 2 but may be seen in FIGS. 7 and 9,define a track or recess for the fixed panel 16. The flanges 12A and 12Bas well as flanges 13A and 13B define an outer recess identified asrecess "0" in FIGS. 7 and 9. A third set of flanges 12C and 13C,respectively, define with their mating B flanges, an inner recess "I".Either the left end or the right end of the recess "0" will hold thefixed panel 16, and the opposite end of recess "I" will allow slidablemovement of the movable panel 20.

In the window of FIG. 1, the right hand panel 20 is movable to the leftfor ventilation.

The header member 12, in addition to the flanges 12 A-C includes, as isshown in FIG. 7, a framing flange 12D which extends upward in front ofthe window rough framing header 30 and is secured to header 30 by screwsor nails before the finish exterior 31, i.e. stucco, is applied. A dripcap 12E appearing in FIGS. 6 and 7 is present to overhang the window andallow any moisture which runs down the face of the exterior 31 to dripoff and not streak the windows.

The bottom corner joints are illustrated in FIGS. 3 as well as FIGS.6-9. The right jamb 14 and sill member 11 have a mitered joint 17. Thesill member 11 has three upward extruding flange 11 A-C corresponding toflanges 12 A-C of header member 12. Jamb member 14 includes flanges 14A-C defining the recesses "0" and "I" with the members 11, 12 and 13 andincludes a framing flange 14D.

Largely hidden behind flange 14A of jamb member 14 is a stretch formedrecess 40 appearing in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11. This recess 40 is formed bystamping into opposite ends of the extrusion which forms either the leftor right jambs 13 or 14. It does not interfere with the finishedappearance but allows the roller 41 to extend to the right and produce aminimum of elevation of the movable panel 20. By providing the recess 40at the bottom of each jamb adjacent to recess "I", the moving panel 20,when closed, closely engages the Jamb and largly fills the verticalrecess "I" of the jamb for better sealing and a more rigid structure. Asan ancillary benefit, the length of flanges 14 A-C and theircounterparts, 13 A-C may be reduced in length with a substantial savingin metal yet producing a better all around window. This is bestillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11 and contrasts with prior art rollerassemblies in which the rollers extend principally below the window andrequire removal of the window for replacement and further complicateprovision of anti-lift protection.

ROLLER ASSEMBLY

The features of this improved roller are illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. InFIG. 11, the lower right inside corner of window 10 is illustrated withthe panel 20 fully closed. The roller assembly 41 extends into recess 40with the roller wheel 42 extending approximately 1/8 inch below themovable panel 20 and rolls on the bottom of the recess "I" in sillmember 11. The roller assembly supports the panel 20 on its edge flanges43 and 44 which are formed integrally with it U shaped body portion 44.Locking tabs 45 and 46, best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 engage the inwardextending ribs 47 and 48 of the sill member 11 appearing in FIG. 12. Theroller assembly 41 may be easily removed and changed by merely insertinga screw driver or prying device between the U shaped body portion 44 andthe jamb 14 at the point marked by the arrow in FIG. 12. Removal of theroller 41 also allows the panel 20 to be physically removed from theframe for cleaning.

ANTI-LIFT FEATURE

The movable panel 20 is retained in place against unauthorized removalby anti-lift stop 50 of FIGS. 14 and 15. The stop 50 is preferably anextruded plastic shape as shown in FIG. 15 with feet 51 and 52 which fitunder continuous ribs 53 and 54 formed integrally within the recess I ofthe header member 12. The anti-lift stop 50 is easily snapped into placeat any location along the length of the header member 12. The residentmay easily slide the anti-lift stop 50 beyond the end of the movablepanel to facilitate removal of the panel 20 for cleaning the window. Insuch case, the roller assembly 41 does not have to be removed. This isin contrast with prior art anti-lift stops which are held in place byglue or screws and not reasily removed and replaced by the homeowner.

AIR AND SOUND LEAKAGE SEALING FEATURES

Air and sound leakage is minimized in accordance with this invention dueto the presence of a number of features of this invention. First, themullion 15 of FIGS. 1, 7 and 9 is a stiff aluminum extrusion which islocked to the sill and header members 11 and 12 by interlocking tabs 60and 61 which extend through slots 62 or 63 in the sill member 11 andsimilar slots in 64 and 65 the header member 12. Screws 66 and 65secures the mullion 15 in place. The mullion 15 rigidifies the frame andprovides a solid support for both the fixed and movable panels 16 and 20when closed.

A truly effective system of edge seals for the panels 16 and 20 is alsoprovided. The fixed panel 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 9-17, includes atubular flexible seal 70 having an integral flange best seen in FIG. 17which is locked into the recesses 73-74. The seal 70 is continuousaround corners with its end joint in the middle of one of the panellengths. The outer side of the fixed panel 16 needs no seal since theflexible seal 70 exerts sufficient pressure against the panel 16throughout its entire periphery to provide an effective, metal to metalface seal. This is best seen in FIG. 9.

Movable panel 20 is sealed by pile type strips 77 on its outer face asillustrated in FIGS. 7, 9 and 18. The strips 77 extend the full lengthof the vertical panel sides, and the horizontal strips 78, as shown inFIG. 18, extend through notches 79 into contact with the vertical pileseal 77. This is in direct contrast with prior art windows as shown inFIG. 19 in which the seals 80 and 81 do not join, leaving a gap which,unrecognized in the prior art, contributes a major amount to airinfiltration and probably to sound transmission.

The inner face of the movable panel 20 includes continuous vinyl strips90 held in edge slots 91. Strips 90 include a rib 92 which extends thefull length of each side. The rib acts as a seal and presents a lowfriction surface to the window frame 10, and of equal importance,prevents the movable panel 20 from bowing in heavy wind as could occurwith prior art sliding windows which only used a pair of plastic buttonsat the outside corners of the movable panel.

These seals plus the rigidity of the mullion 15 prevent air leakage.Heretofore, in the absence of a rigid mullion and locking tab, windpressure could easily cause twisting and bowing of the windows,separation of the seals from their adjacent frame and significant airpassage. Altogether these seals cooperate to provide an effective airand sound block for the windows far more efficient than availableheretofore.

IMPROVED LOCK

I have a combined handle and lock which further aids in minimizing airleakage. It is best seen in FIGS. 4 and 10. The locking handle 24includes a handle portion 24A and a body portion 24B having integraldetents 24C and 24D, only one of which appears in FIG. 4. This lockinghandle 24 is slidable in groove 57 of FIGS. 9 and 10, from top to bottomfor ease of opening. When lowered to the bottom of groove 57, detent 24Eengages rib 17 in recess "I" of sill member 11. The pile type seal 77 onthe outer side of the panel 20 has sufficient resilience, and slideablehandle 24 has sufficient clearance to allow the handle detent 24E toslip over the rib 19 of the sill 11. The handle 24 securely locks thewindow closed or in any of a number of intermediate positions, eachidentified by a punched opening such as 18 in ledge 110 of the sillmember 11. When the handle 24 is engaged as illustrated in FIG. 10, themovable panel 20 may not be moved either from the interior or exteriorof the window 10 by force applied to the glass. Only when handle 24 israised may the window be moved manually.

RIGID FRAME FEATURE

Heretofore, aluminum frame windows have exhibited reasonable rigidityfor storage, installation and service. Assembly is accomplished usuallyby mechanical interconnection using self tapping screws introduced intothe jamb member, via holes and engaging continuous extruded "C" shapedrecesses such as 67 and 68 of FIG. 7. A mullion, if present, added minorstrength to the window.

As I determined, significant bowing of the windows under wind or rainpressure can occur allowing air, or in some cases rain to pass betweenthe bowed panels and the frame. My improved mullion 15 securely locksthe frame together and provides a rigid member against which the panels16 and 20 may seal. Mullion 15, as may be seen in FIGS. 9 and 16, is acombined T and channel shape, both shapes exhibiting effectivestiffness.

Of additional importance is the fact that mullion 15 extends throughpunched slots "S" in the header member 12 and sill member 11 asillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 16. The interlocking of the integral tabs 15Awith the sill and header members 11 and 12 holds the header and sillmembers and the mullion 15 securely together. A self tapping screw isdriven into pre-drilled hole 15H to complete the assembly. The mullion15 may be reversed and installed in the other of two pair of slots S toconvert the opening of the window from left open (OX) to right open (XO)form.

Altogether, I have produced an improved window assembly which provideseffective protection from air and moisture infiltration, superiorthermal insulation through the use of dual panels and effective lockingfrom unauthorized opening or removal of the windows.

The foregoing constitute the best mode known by me of carrying out myinvention and for that purpose the embodiments shown are merelyillustrative of the principle of the invention but are not limiting inits scope. One of ordinary skill in the art could produce otherembodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.Instead, my invention is defined by the following claims includingprotection afforded by the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sliding window assembly providing improved airand sound infiltration resistance comprising;a frame including a sillmember, a header member and a pair of jamb members defining a generallyrectangular frame including a pair of side by side recesses, one outerand one inner, for retaining a pair of framed window panels and a pairof slots in opposite frame members; the improvement of which comprises amullion member having sufficient rigidity to prevent bowing of framedpanels within said window including end tabs extending through saidslots in said frame members; means securing rigid mullion in rigidrelationship with said frame; wherein said substantially rectangularframe is generally bisected by said mullion which defines one edge ofsaid outer recess; and said framed window panels each includesubstantially continuous flexible seals on at least one opposite face ofthe frame thereof which engage the outer and inner surfaces of saidframe and mullion to provide substantially air and water tightrelationship between the framed windows and said rectangular frame whenclosed; wherein said slots are located in opposed positions inrespective sill members, and wherein a pair of slots are located in thesill whereby the mullion may be reverse and moved to allow either leftopening or right opening, horizontally movable window operation;providing anti-lift out protection for the openable window in which saidheader member include s rib means in the inner recess; and a stop memberis insertable in said inner recess engaging said rib means and partiallyobstructing said inner recess sufficiently that the openable window maynot be litted out or said inner recess with said top means in place. 2.A window in accordance with claim 1 wherein said rib means comprise s apair of substantially continuous ribs on opposite side s of said recesswhere by said stop means may be positioned at substantially any positionalong the length of said inner recess.
 3. A window in accordance withclaim 2 wherein said stop means comprises a channel member with a webportion dimensioned to fit in said inner recess and having leg portionswith detents therein to engage said ribs.
 4. A window in accordance withclaim 1 wherein said atop member is an e extruded plastic shape havingsufficient resiliency such that the leg portions may be deflected toallow said detents to snap under said ribs in the header member.
 5. Awindow in accordance with claim 4 wherein said ribs are continuous andsaid stop member may be inserted in said header recess at any positionalong the length thereof.